Panthers Pin Hopes On Rival Lightning

PANTHERS NOTEBOOK

That's what the Panthers are hoping for tonight, as their playoff fate depends on a Lightning win against the Islanders.

Although some might be concerned the cross-state rivals will do no favors for a team that took their season series 3-0-2, the Panthers expressed confidence in the Lightning.

"They're professionals," said right wing Dave Lowry.

"I think they have more pride and more character than to roll over, whether they have a rivalry with us or not," goalie John Vanbiesbrouck said. "I don't think any professional athlete would do that."

Said coach Roger Neilson, who will attend the game at the Thunderdome with his assistants, General Manager Bob Clarke and President Bill Torrey: "Just like Quebec played against us [Tuesday night), I'm sure they'll be ready tomorrow. All the teams play hard right to the end. That's the way I've always found it."

Lowry said he played against Tampa Bay last year in the final game, when he was with St. Louis. The Blues needed to win to clinch a playoff spot.

St. Louis won 6-5. Tampa Bay thought it scored the tying goal as time expired, but the goal was disallowed.

"They played damned hard," Lowry said. "They fought like hell to the very end. I'm sure they'll do the same [tonight.)'' Torrey caused a mini-storm in Tampa when comments attributed to him in the New York Post were reprinted in local papers.

"It's well-known the animosity Tampa has for this franchise," Torrey said. "For the integrity of the game, I would hope there's nothing unseemly in their approach Wednesday. If they were to call up Manon Rheaume, well ... I wanted to make sure the league would monitor the situation."

On Tuesday, Torrey said he spoke with Commissioner Gary Bettman about final-week games in general, such as the Rangers sitting many top players in a game against the Islanders on Sunday.

Torrey spoke with Lightning General Manager Phil Esposito on Monday to clarify his comments.

"Nobody should ever question the integrity of the Tampa Bay Lightning," Esposito said. "In the last two weeks we've beaten Montreal, Buffalo, Boston. No, the character of the players will not allow that to happen. We might play poorly and lose that game. But it won't be from lack of effort."

Sneaky shot

The first goal Mark Fitzpatrick allowed, David Karpa's high knuckler from 65 feet, was a crusher. It came just 15 seconds into the third period to give Quebec a 4-1 lead.

"It's a shot that I didn't get a real good look at," Fitzpatrick said. "It hit off the inside of my glove, went behind me, and dropped into the net."

Bold strategy

Neilson pulled Vanbiesbrouck for a sixth skater with three seconds left in the first period and a faceoff in Quebec territory, and the risky move almost paid off. Stu Barnes won the faceoff, Brian Benning fired a shot, but Stephane Fiset made the save.